Minister announces 250 NHS placements to help tackle poverty

More than 250 paid NHS placements will be made available to parents across Scotland as part of Scottish Government efforts to eradicate child poverty, the Social Justice Secretary has said.

Shirley-Anne Somerville said placements, covering roles such as porters, caterers, healthcare support workers, administration assistants and assistant technical officers, will be available across 18 health boards.

Placements will typically range from six-18 months and will target those facing the greatest risk of poverty, the Government said.

On a visit to Kirklands HQ at NHS Lanarkshire, to mark the start of Challenge Poverty Week, the minister met Mairead Doyle, who joined a similar employability programme with NHS Lanarkshire in 2024.

Ms Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and we know that fair work in the NHS will offer a real route out of poverty for families.

“We are equipping parents with the skills and experience needed to have a long and successful career, with the opportunity for real progression, while strengthening the NHS workforce of the future.

“This project scales existing successful models already delivered by NHS boards and I’m pleased that we’re able to extend this opportunity to hundreds more families across the country.”

Ms Doyle said: “The parental employability programme gave me the confidence and support I needed to return to work after several years away from employment.

“Through the programme I secured a role with NHS Lanarkshire and have since progressed to a Band 4 position. It has had a positive impact on both my career and my family, and I’m grateful for the opportunity it provided.”

The Government said the NHS Lanarkshire demonstrator programme had supported 136 parents and people experiencing long-term unemployment, with more than 77% progressing into positive destinations, including directly into NHS employment.

Outcomes have improved year on year, with their most recent programme achieving almost 88% positive destinations.

Jacqui Jones, deputy chief executive and director of HR at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The NHS is one of the largest employers in Scotland and employment is one of the strongest drivers of good health by creating opportunities for local parents and families to gain skills, experience and jobs.

“We are helping people thrive, building a workforce that reflects our communities, and making a positive difference to the health of Lanarkshire.”